THE majority of taxi firms in Avon and Somerset fail to recognise signs of child exploitation, according to police.

The claim comes after plain clothes officers and police cadets visited taxi officer and ranks in the force area as part of an exercise to raise awareness and educate staff on the about the issue.

The officers, from Operation Topaz, which aims to disrupt child criminal and sexual exploitation, tried to book taxis to Birmingham or London in cash while accompanied by a cadet.

Of the 25 cabbie offices visited:

  • one noticed something was wrong, but didn't know how to safeguard the child;
  • another driver recognised a child was being trafficked and put appropriate safeguarding measures in place;
  • the others failed to sop the signs and allowed officers to book the taxis.

Before the operation, taxi services had been offered training, but few took part.

All services visited have since been offered training to provide staff with the tools to recognise child exploitation.

Child exploitation happens when a child under 18 is given things like money, phones, clothing, accommodation, and/or affection in exchange for performing a sexual act or dealing drugs. They are tricked by a person who has power over them because of their age or status into believing there is a relationship.

Prevention officer and co-ordinator Androulla Nicolaou, from Operation Topaz, said: "Thousands of children and young people, some as young as 12, are exploited sexually and criminally every day in our communities.

"This operation, which is the first we have run with taxi services, is just one of the initiatives we’re using to disrupt those who have an interest in child exploitation from carrying out their crimes.

“Taxis are sometimes used by perpetrators to transport young people for the purpose of abuse and exploitation.

"As a driver or someone who works on a booking desk, you may overhear concerning conversations a young person is having on the phone.

"Drivers are in a unique position to be able to spot child exploitation from occurring, and managers of these services have a responsibility to ensure suitable measures are in place to keep children safe.

"We look forward to working with these services in the future to make sure their staff have the knowledge and confidence to report child exploitation to us.

"With fewer people using public transport and taxis due to current Covid-19 restrictions, children travelling alone or with an adult that doesn’t appear to be family will be more obvious and easier to spot.

"By being aware of a few signs, those working in the taxi industry can play a huge part in helping us save a child’s life.

"We’re urging staff and managers to familiarise themselves with the signs of child exploitation and child sexual exploitation and to feel confident they can report these incidents to us."

Signs people in the taxi industry should be aware of include children under 18:

  • travelling long distances alone, or with an adult who does not seem like family;
  • travelling at unusual hours (during school time, early in the morning, or late at night);
  • travelling to multiple destinations in one night;
  • travelling long distances and paying for a journey that is expensive and seems unrealistic for a young person to be able to pay for themselves;
  • paying for journeys in cash or prepaid;
  • anxious, frightened, angry, showing signs of neglect or displaying other behaviour that makes you worried.

Androulla Nicolaou added: “If it doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, trust your instincts – this child could be a victim of exploitation. Report it as soon as possible."

To report child sexual and/or criminal exploitation to the police call 101. You can also report online via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/child-sexual-exploitation-cse/.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

You can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.